Too Much Stuff?

Cheryl Gowin and Dennis Gowin.  Call us at our counseling practice with your feedback, comments, issues, or questions at 434-808-2637.

How many times have you thought it is time to get rid of the clutter or wondered how did you accumulate so much stuff?  It is common today to be so caught up in “stuff” that the accumulation of stuff becomes expected and a goal.  How does the saying go: he who has the most toys at the end wins.  Do you find yourself frustrated with your kids because they want the next new whatever without being thankful for what they have?

So how does one develop a grateful heart?  With all the TV hype and pressure to get the latest and greatest must have thing, how do you help your children learn to be thankful?

Have you ever heard of a blessing box?  It is a simple idea with lots of benefits.

First the box itself.  Find a box, not too large but one where slips of paper can be put in the box on a regular basis.  It can be as simple as a shoebox.  Depending on the age of your kids, they can help find and decorate the box.  If you have teenagers, they might not get excited about the idea of helping.

The next step is to place the box in a room where the family regularly gathers, say the kitchen or family room.  On the end table next to the couch or on the counter in the kitchen are all good ideas.  Next to the box keep, at all times, a note pad or pieces of paper and a pen.

Now it is time for a family meeting to explain the reason for the box.  That is, the box is a place to collect notes.  Each family member is expected to, on a regular basis, write down a blessing, and put it in the box.  The blessing can be big or small.  For example, thank you for an 80-degree day in October.  Thank you that we could watch the Red Skins play football.  Mom’s cookies were awesome.  Glad Jane is doing well in school.

Putting blessings in the box for a period of time, say a year.  One family requires that a blessing be put in the box whenever anyone is complaining or asking for something.  All family members are encouraged to add to the box throughout the year.

Now, as a family, pick a time to open the box and read the blessings.  Some people pick Thanksgiving or New Year’s Day.  The problem with this is that there are so many other activities on those days.  Another idea is to pick a blessing day, any time when you know you can all be together.  Make it a party, a celebration day.  Pass the box and let each person pull out one blessing and read the blessing aloud.   You will be amazed at what a great time everyone will have reading, laughing and crying about the blessings.

  The blessing box is a way to make finding things for which to be grateful a habit.  Not just the big things in life but all of those little actions that can brighten a day, an unexpected call from an old friend, watching a baby laugh, seeing a blue bird in the backyard, or enjoying a meal with a loved one.  Is too much clutter your concern?  Then, maybe it’s time to give away what you don’t need, and to create a blessing box.

Do you remember the song:  Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God hath done!  Count your blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.  It would appear that hymn writer Johnson Oatman and composer Edwin Othello Excell had the idea of a blessing box in 1897 when the song was first sung.

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered. Psalm 105:1-5

Call us with your feedback,  our phone number is 434-808-2637.